Today, we masqueraded as tourists and walked the familiar Chinatown we’ve trotted so many times before. In addition to the new year market, we also went to tour the local temple, which was actually quite an eye opener.
We were greeted by the large urn filled with joss sticks at the entrance
Opens up into a large hall where the monks were chanting. The sheer size and opulence of the hall was amazing.
The offerings by the devote at the other end of the hall
Unlike previous years, the festivities this year appeared to be somewhat muted. There were less lights, less street vendors, less people ploughing the market. Hookers were still rife though. I assume they must have been having some CNY promo for the desperate tiko pehs (dirty old men) around.
Cut-out coupons perhaps?
Nonetheless, we prowled the stretch, hungry for bargains. Passing by stalls selling festive goodies, ornaments and knick knacks, trying to soak up whatever atmosphere possible. Heck, we even saw a stall selling Crumpler bags!
We managed to grab a few decorations and new year goodies at the steal. And even some bling embellishments for our infernal scrapbook addiction. Heehee.. Hey, we’re on a tight budget. The ward decorations come direct from our pockets!
After meeting Leni, we went to the famous dessert shop for some iced mango and pomelo, and then to Maxwell market for dinner, consisting of fish meat soup, char kuay teow and dimsum.
Burp.
The night ended with us at Tiong Bahru after a futile hunt for Twilight (the book) which saw us gravitate once again to Kopitiam for dessert.
Our outings always start and end with food. Hahaha..! Overall, it was a nice time to spend the day =)
